Pietersen left out of India tour

Kevin Pietersen has been left out of England's Test squad for the tour of India while Joe Root and Nick Compton have been called up. Eoin Morgan has also been recalled and Monty Panesar is one of three spinners alongside Graeme Swann and Samit Patel.

Talks between Pietersen and the ECB remain ongoing although the batsman is currently in Sri Lanka working as a TV pundit during the World Twenty20. Last week Pietersen was not handed a central contract, a clear indication that problems still exists although he can be offered one at any time in the future.

Hugh Morris, the managing director of England cricket, said: "Both ECB and England team management have had meetings with Kevin Pietersen to address the issues that led to his omission from the final Investec Test match against South Africa. These discussions remain private and confidential and, as there are issues still to be resolved, Kevin has not been considered for selection for the India tour."

In the absence of Pietersen and the retired Andrew Strauss, England's batting order is inexperienced. That is likely to have been one of the reasons for Morgan's recall despite very little success in first-class cricket since he was dropped from the Test side following the series against Pakistan in the UAE.

Compton and Root could well be vying for one place in the line-up, depending on how Andy Flower and Alastair Cook decide to balance the team. Compton was the leading run-scorer during the 2012 English season with 1494 runs and was within touching distance of making 1000 runs before the end of May.

Root, 21, who was named the Cricket Writers' Club Young Cricketer on Monday, had been tipped for a place on the tour squad having been a regular in the England Lions set-up over the last 12 months, where he has impressed batting coach Graham Thorpe. He scored 964 first-class runs in the season with a best of 222 against Hampshire.

"Nick Compton has performed well consistently for Somerset in county cricket this season, made big hundreds and shown that he has the temperament and the technique to play at a higher level," Geoff Miller, the national selector, said. "Joe Root is a player who has been successful at every level from county cricket through to EPP and England Lions, and he deserves this opportunity to step up to the next level and press his case for a place in the Test side. "

The two notable omissions in the batting department are Ravi Bopara and James Taylor, who both played Tests during the recent series against South Africa. Bopara withdrew from the second Test at Headingley due to personal problems, which handed Taylor his debut. He returned for the one-day matches against South Africa but has suffered a horror run of form and is unlikely to make the starting XI in the World Twenty20. He does not even feature in the Performance squad that will be based in India at the same time as the Test party.

Taylor, though, does have the compensation of a spot with the Performance players who will be the first in line for a call-up should injury or illness strike.

The bowling line-up is largely as expected, with Panesar again preferred as the support, or back-up, to Swann despite a difficult time in Sri Lanka earlier this year. James Tredwell, the Kent offspinner, was another option after solid performances in recent one-day matches. Patel, who made his Test debut in Sri Lanka, provides an option to balance the side at No. 7.

mistake the ECB ever made....Eng beat India 4-0 at home...now watch..what goes around comes around..prepare for a 0-4 defeat..that's what will happen when your best batsman is dropped...

Meety
on September 21, 2012, 1:51 GMT

@ jmcilhinney on (September 20 2012, 05:44 AM GMT) - BTW, I think Root is a talent, but across his last 10 innings (all formats), his average is around 12.

Meety
on September 21, 2012, 1:49 GMT

@jmcilhinney on (September 20 2012, 05:44 AM GMT) - I also include Root!

RandyOZ
on September 20, 2012, 23:30 GMT

Sad state of affairsd when your best players a.) isnt even english b.) gets sacked. Boy England are in trouble.

kevinpp2412
on September 20, 2012, 16:59 GMT

THIS IS REDICLS! KP MUST BE IN TEAM FOR ALL FORMATS
THEY CANT BEAT INDIA WITHOUT HIM

dummy4fb
on September 20, 2012, 14:44 GMT

England can win without KP.But they can't beat India without KP.

Swarancool
on September 20, 2012, 10:43 GMT

i dont think england can make it without k.p....he is the wonderfull player against spin...he also has some experiance in indian pitches.............england are really school going kids in spin pitches especially in sub continent.........IT WILL BE THE PAY BACK FOR PREVIOUS ENGLAND SUMMER

dummy4fb
on September 20, 2012, 7:50 GMT

KP's absence is a Huge Huge loss for England.Its out of seance how ECB Handel KP's issue. He is best batsman of England and he always have huge impact on the opposition. Whatever be the issue he should be part of team. Now England will pay heavily for this on tour of India.

dummy4fb
on September 20, 2012, 6:24 GMT

Kevin Pietersen has been left out of England's Test squad for the tour of India while Joe Root and Nick Compton have been called up. Eoin Morgan has also been recalled and Monty Panesar is one of three spinners alongside Graeme Swann and Samit Patel.

jmcilhinney
on September 20, 2012, 5:44 GMT

@Meety on (September 19 2012, 00:12 AM GMT), you'll find that a lot of England fans disagreed with the selection of Morgan to begin with and probably even more do now. I think that their including Morgan in this touring party is a misguided attempt to include some experience to compensate for the loss of Strauss and KP. I just don't see the point of experience if it's not going to help you get results, which I don't see Morgan's inclusion doing in the short or long term. Personally, I'd sooner have seen Taylor in the squad, even if it did mean a very inexperienced batting lineup.

WishW
on September 21, 2012, 7:55 GMT

mistake the ECB ever made....Eng beat India 4-0 at home...now watch..what goes around comes around..prepare for a 0-4 defeat..that's what will happen when your best batsman is dropped...

Meety
on September 21, 2012, 1:51 GMT

@ jmcilhinney on (September 20 2012, 05:44 AM GMT) - BTW, I think Root is a talent, but across his last 10 innings (all formats), his average is around 12.

Meety
on September 21, 2012, 1:49 GMT

@jmcilhinney on (September 20 2012, 05:44 AM GMT) - I also include Root!

RandyOZ
on September 20, 2012, 23:30 GMT

Sad state of affairsd when your best players a.) isnt even english b.) gets sacked. Boy England are in trouble.

kevinpp2412
on September 20, 2012, 16:59 GMT

THIS IS REDICLS! KP MUST BE IN TEAM FOR ALL FORMATS
THEY CANT BEAT INDIA WITHOUT HIM

dummy4fb
on September 20, 2012, 14:44 GMT

England can win without KP.But they can't beat India without KP.

Swarancool
on September 20, 2012, 10:43 GMT

i dont think england can make it without k.p....he is the wonderfull player against spin...he also has some experiance in indian pitches.............england are really school going kids in spin pitches especially in sub continent.........IT WILL BE THE PAY BACK FOR PREVIOUS ENGLAND SUMMER

dummy4fb
on September 20, 2012, 7:50 GMT

KP's absence is a Huge Huge loss for England.Its out of seance how ECB Handel KP's issue. He is best batsman of England and he always have huge impact on the opposition. Whatever be the issue he should be part of team. Now England will pay heavily for this on tour of India.

dummy4fb
on September 20, 2012, 6:24 GMT

Kevin Pietersen has been left out of England's Test squad for the tour of India while Joe Root and Nick Compton have been called up. Eoin Morgan has also been recalled and Monty Panesar is one of three spinners alongside Graeme Swann and Samit Patel.

jmcilhinney
on September 20, 2012, 5:44 GMT

@Meety on (September 19 2012, 00:12 AM GMT), you'll find that a lot of England fans disagreed with the selection of Morgan to begin with and probably even more do now. I think that their including Morgan in this touring party is a misguided attempt to include some experience to compensate for the loss of Strauss and KP. I just don't see the point of experience if it's not going to help you get results, which I don't see Morgan's inclusion doing in the short or long term. Personally, I'd sooner have seen Taylor in the squad, even if it did mean a very inexperienced batting lineup.

dummy4fb
on September 20, 2012, 4:55 GMT

England Without KP looks odd. He is such a player who can turn a match single handed. However the disciplinary issues should be sorted out before he comes into the team. Its bad that the coach Andy Flower and Hugh Morris has not taken the swiftly to solve the issue, instead they are waiting for the things to happen by itself which will make the team suffer. The argument can be made that, England have Cook, Bell, Trott etc, but KP factor has always helped England in his day.

RodStark
on September 20, 2012, 2:24 GMT

I suspect someone may already have said this, but it seems like the England management by leaving out KP will have their excuses ready when we lose. "Well, if only he hadn't made it impossible for us to select him, we would have had a much stronger team."

jmcilhinney
on September 20, 2012, 1:38 GMT

@maximum6 on (September 19 2012, 17:11 PM GMT), I watch England plenty. It's not always easy doing so, living in Australia, but I've spent plenty a bleary-eyed day at work because I've stayed up until 2, 3, 4 in the morning watching a game played in England. Please don't presume to know what I do or don't do. Also, please don't put words in my mouth. I didn't and have never said that a 32 year old is too old but to call a player of that age "the future" of a team is quite ridiculous. You are indeed entitled to your opinion but, in my opinion, your opinion, or at least your reaction, is way over the top. You make it sound like the ECB have condemned England to the bottom of the rankings for 10 years or more. I very much expect KP to be back for the limited-overs portion of the India tour or for the NZ tour. In the meantime, I'll enjoy watching some others players get a chance. If we lose a few games, we lose a few games. No drama.

2.14istherunrate
on September 19, 2012, 23:40 GMT

i keep thinking of that anaemic bowling effort against SA. 635-2. 419 on insertion. I can understand when one bowler is off the mark or even two, but 4?? And over the series barring Broad at Headingley 2nd inns, and Finn at Lords. Anderson finally bowled a recognisable spell in one of the ODI's. This did not look like a Test attack especially not the No1 side's test attack. Please enlighten me someone as to how this might happen, and further how these self same failures are entrusted with further labours when we have not had any explanation. Once is unfortuante.Twice..well most people have an idea of the rest of this quote....

JG2704
on September 19, 2012, 22:11 GMT

@ jmcilhinney on (September 19 2012, 15:02 PM GMT) Totally echo your comments. I have never had my posts to this guy published and I've never said anything of offence to the guy. It seems to me that no one knows what exactly was said in the texts or what has happened behind closed doors in negotiations but folk seem to either think KP should be back in the side and ECB are treating him harshly or some are saying he should never play for England again. How can any of us judge ECB or KP without having the exact facts? The other day ESPN indicated KP was likely to return. I think another main point is who KP sent the texts to. Who would be the last sort of person they'd want KP to send derogatory texts about team mates to? - erm maybe your current opponents? As a player I'd love to see him back in there , butI think he has made so many bad off field judgements recently

SDHM
on September 19, 2012, 19:00 GMT

@Satish619chandar - Onions is the sort of bowler who'll bowl well anywhere; line, length, accuracy and nip, all at decent pace. Nothing fancy, but effective. Not that I expect him to get a game unless there are a couple of injuries though. And I think @Juiceoftheapple is right too - I don't expect England to win the series, but I'd be surprised if they got whitewashed. One major reason England struggled so badly in the UAE is because Pakistan had an excellent all-round attack; Gul and Khan were able to keep the pressure on with the new ball which allowed Ajmal, Rehman & Hafeez to run riot. I'm not sure Zaheer and Yadav can do that for India, although I rate Ashwin & Ohja highly in home conditions. England have picked a batting line-up with spin in mind; Compton is comfortable in both defence & attack, & I feel the reason Root was picked is because Graham Thorpe reckons he's a good player of spin. He also scored runs for the Lions in the SC last winter. Should be a good series!

2.14istherunrate
on September 19, 2012, 17:11 GMT

@jcmchinney- Name calling is cheap.As regards the future you may regard players of 32 as too old or spent, and that youth is everything- you are entitled just as I am to a viewpoint-but there is ample evidence of players being picked too early and failing and losing confidence, quite apart from which, can any of them hold a candle to KP. If you ever actually watch England you would think differently.

jmcilhinney
on September 19, 2012, 15:02 GMT

@maximum6 on (September 19 2012, 11:31 AM GMT), you really are a drama queen. KP is hardly the future of English cricket. He's a big part of the present, no doubt, and the side is certainly weakened talent-wise without him but "throwing the future away"? Please! The future is players like Bairstow, Taylor and Root, two of whom may well get more exposure in India without KP being there. I don't doubt that KP's serious about wanting back in and the ECB would have been done with all this already if they were determined to keep him out, so he'll be back. If he hadn't taken this commentary job with Sky then he may have been able to hammer out the last of the issues already, but I'm guessing that he assumed it would be done with by now. Even if it was though, I still think it was (another) dumb move to commentate on the WT20. If there is simmering resentment then it's not going to go away overnight. If we lose a series in India we may have lost anyway, so be it. Life will go on.

neerajprasher
on September 19, 2012, 13:45 GMT

Haha England goin to lose this series easily for sure.i dont know how they become no 1.they dont deserve no 1.we ll goin smash england.u gonna lose in T20 world cup aswell.come on INDIA.

Juiceoftheapple
on September 19, 2012, 13:15 GMT

Some of the Indian predictions remind me of those predictions made last Spring. How funny that was. The galacticos were going to wipe the floor with England then and now. Honestly, I reckon 2-1 to England or India. We were poor against SL and Pakistan, but I think the team is being picked and prepared with resisting the spin onslaught in mind (with stone wall Compton being picked, plus Morgan for counter attack). I think we'll get one result at least, one should go to a draw. And I think we'll tumble at least once. For all the bravado, I think it will be very interesting. If India can win the first, we will struggle to find our confidence back and could be a 3-0 rout. But Trott needs to find his form again. Is boycott taking his beans?

dinom
on September 19, 2012, 13:08 GMT

I think the idea of playing neighboring minnows as curtain raiser to test series between test giants (as being discussed during the t20 world cup matches) should start with this series. England should play one of the warm-up matches against Afghanistan.

jb633
on September 19, 2012, 12:59 GMT

@Cric_Fan- Taking wickets against New Zeland is no refelction of how goode your bowlers are. For sure Ashwin can hold an end up, but compare Kumble/ Bhaji vs Aswin/Ojha and you know who you would rather face. Indian bowling really is garbage now but then again so is our batting. I see the games really coming down to India's batting vs England bowling. I think Kholi is world class and can see him scoring piles of runs. Against Pakistan I was worried about their bowling, against India I am scared of their batting. At home they are tigers. We will need Swann to really pull out some performances if we are to do anything. If England can dismiss India for modest scores I think we have a chance, if not we will probably be looking for the draw.
What are the pitches like for the venues we are playing at like??

dummy4fb
on September 19, 2012, 11:43 GMT

As long as India wins this series I'll be happy regardless of the margin of victory since India have already won 2 test series in England since England last won a series in India and one of those wins was in 2007 whereas England last won a series in India in 1985. Given the bowling attack India has it would be silly to expect them to be able to beat any team 4-0, we saw how they struggled against NZ in the second test.

2.14istherunrate
on September 19, 2012, 11:31 GMT

In looking at the relative value of England players often the remarks of other nationalities are invaluable because they know who they fear as opponents. it is fairly obvious from most of those posts that they know who quite definitely who are the players theyrespect. 'Without KP England willsurely lose.' That seems to be the response from most Indians.Thanks, guys. It is surely a stunning endorsement of this touring party. If it Aussies they would say the same, Saffers equally with a wry grin, west Indians etc. so who tyhe hell are the ECB trying to fool. Just a few right wing grouchesin UK. Upon a point of protocol and order and no more our team has gone from being okay to hopeless, because our opponents know it ,even if we don't. They may respect one or two others of our players- Anderson, Cook, the'keeper. And that's it. They do not respect Swann, Broad, or Bresnan-well who is he, for god's sake?
Well done to ECB for throwing the future away. Thanks guys.

satish619chandar
on September 19, 2012, 9:42 GMT

In Indian tracks, they would be playing two spinners for sure and Anderson and Broad will be their two pacers to start with. Finn will be their first replacement. Unless they got plans of fielding 5 bowlers/two of their bowlers get injured, i don't see place for Bresnan in the side. So, no way i see the need of fifth fast bowler on a tour to sub continent. Tredwell for Onions could have been a good change. In case of injury to one main spinner, Samit should be playing as specialist spinner role. Somewhere i feel Tredwell would do a far better job as replacement spinner than Samit boy. May be, Onions developed some special skills to bowl in SC tracks? Like it was Tremlett and Bresnan for the Ashes in Australia with their height to extract bounce?

cricfan68190824
on September 19, 2012, 9:23 GMT

looks like some of the indian fans are getting carried away again just like we did before our series in England and we know the result...

yes england probably weakened by the absence of kp, but they are still a good team and our bowling is very bad. even Ashwin is not proven against top quality teams so far. so i don't think it's going to be 3-0 as some posters claim here. even NZ could have won the 2nd test and drew the series. so let's not get too ahead of ourselves!

dummy4fb
on September 19, 2012, 9:17 GMT

never mind KP is there or not , even India is'nt strong !!!!!!!

TommytuckerSaffa
on September 19, 2012, 8:14 GMT

No big loss, KP cant play spin anyway. Besides England have replaced one saffa with another one (Nick Compton)

dummy4fb
on September 19, 2012, 7:57 GMT

Definetly revenge taken series dis is.India win the series 3-0.

The_bowlers_Holding
on September 19, 2012, 7:46 GMT

I guess KP not being there will be cited as a reason for half empty grounds at the tests, still there will be a large diehard English following to boost the numbers. Incidentally the last 'series' in India was only 2 tests which ended 1-0, to India hardly an acid test of superiority. I think England might do alright in India which would be a nice preperation for the serious business of back to back Ashes series.

JG2704
on September 19, 2012, 7:36 GMT

@ Chris_P on (September 18 2012, 22:19 PM GMT) - Morning , I think I'd still have gone for Monty but after the way they discarded him so quickly I thought they would go for Tredwell because he is more competent with the bat and in the field. I'm not saying that's the right way to go , just that I thought Eng would go that way as they prefer the old "batting depth" formula. I did wonder if they could have picked him above one of the pacers as there's no way they'll use all the pacers unless there are injuries but then who would they leave out. I guess it would be Onions who ironically would probably make my starting 11

JG2704
on September 19, 2012, 7:36 GMT

@Nehans on (September 19 2012, 01:44 AM GMT) Your exact words were "seems KP himself is not willing to play for the time being as he has so many lucrative offer to consider" - under the guise Hira1 on (September 18 2012, 10:33 AM GMT) and not what you have written in this post. It's up to KP and ECB to decide what they want to try and do. I thought from ESPN'S previous article KP was almost nailed on for the India tour but this is like a soap opera now.

Abhinaav2020
on September 19, 2012, 7:15 GMT

England should forget winning in India with the kind of batting line up they have. The Indian spinners are going to wreck havoc and give them a taste of what happened to India in England.

sachin_vvsfan
on September 19, 2012, 6:53 GMT

Looking forward to his commentary. He should be careful to not bad mouth his team mates or say something bad about England( Hope commentators do not bother him about Eng. :)

AMAZINGFAN
on September 19, 2012, 6:27 GMT

okay poms get ready to see ur english batsmen dance to the tunes of indian spinners.kp is the only player who can atleast tackle indian spin but without kp it shud be cakewalk for india.i'm worried abt ahmedabad pitch as it is really flat.....go india go....

Buckers410
on September 19, 2012, 4:59 GMT

Good looking squad. Pietersen needs to be there to make the side more experienced

dummy4fb
on September 19, 2012, 4:45 GMT

with out kp england can not face the india spin bowlers.the lose the series by 3-0.in 2008 only strauss played well.he got 2 hundreds in 1st test mach.and kp got 148 in second mach.this time the both are not their.

jmcilhinney
on September 19, 2012, 2:14 GMT

@yorkshirematt on (September 18 2012, 11:16 AM GMT), I responded to your comment on another story accusing me of an anti-Yorshire bias but you may not have seen that. I'm not sure what I have said to give you the impression that I am anti-Yorkshire but I'm very keen for you to tell me. I assure that I have no ill feeling towards Yorkshire whatsoever. If I made a comment some time about their being in the second division then that was purely and simply because they were in the second division. It was not intended as a slight. In answer to your latest unfounded and unappreciated accusation, no, Root does not belong in the second division. He belongs in the first division, where he can best develop into the long-time England opening batsman that I consider him to be.

GRVJPR
on September 19, 2012, 2:10 GMT

I Think this Keevin Pietersen thing is little overcooked. Yes he is a fearsome striker at test level but had his problems against left arm bowlers in India Previously. So who knows this could be blessing in disguise for england. Alhough his part time spin could have been handy on crumbling pitch. At the venues where england is playing, the pitches wull start turning predegiously after lunch on day 2 and then the real battle starts for england. It is of utmost importance for england to win the toss and bat. But they should bat carefully since there is a bit of movement in India as well for first 2 hours. They don;t want to loose crucial wickets. All in All They have to play bravely and after day 2 play with soft hands as many balls wil jump and turn off the ruf. Also they need to keep themselves well hydrated to avoid cramps and stiff backs in sapping humidity and heat.

Nehans
on September 19, 2012, 1:44 GMT

@JG2704 i wrote since KP has so many lucrative offer to consider he is not in a desperate state to bow down on ECB terms and condition and if you read the latest news on telegraph this gets more clear, i seriously feel that its time now for KP to seek a legal advise on this issue and leave ECB for the time being till they came begging him to play for them in Ashes.

nthuq
on September 19, 2012, 1:35 GMT

Pity about Pietersen, and I do hope for England's sake that he does come back (but not before the Ashes, hehe). All the best to the England team in India - I hope Compton and Bairstow and Root can show their credentials and make it hard for Pietersen to force his way back in.

mikey76
on September 19, 2012, 1:26 GMT

Surely we must play 5 bowlers in India. Prior was our best batsman against SA so deserves to move up to 6. I don't see us winning with just two seamers.

axe_hay
on September 19, 2012, 0:35 GMT

Michael Carberry and Somerset's Jimmy Hildreth are in the form of their lives.Both are solid test players and have done well in the last few seasons. Joe Root is too young to be exposed to sub continental conditions. If he fails then he too will be tossed up the scrap heap, like so many others.Anyways selecting Compton was a good move by the selectors. he should be in the playing XI .

Chris_P
on September 19, 2012, 0:13 GMT

@yorkshire-86. What's this? Another of the "stolen" generation of cricketers cleverly poached by the visionary Lords of the MCC? Where will this all end? (Have to add for the benefit of some, this was posted with tongue firmly planted in cheek)

Meety
on September 19, 2012, 0:12 GMT

@landl47 on (September 18 2012, 12:36 PM GMT) - care to acknowledge that selecting a batsmen with a sub-40 average could suggest the batting cupboard is bare?????
@Chris_P on (September 18 2012, 22:19 PM GMT) - as an Ozzy, I would say they should of picked Kerrigan or Blackwell (referring to Oz A tour)!!!!

Electric_L0ser_Wacko
on September 19, 2012, 0:03 GMT

@ jb633 - Interesting that you point that Indian spinners are average/below average in their own backyard - well how about this then ....(Ashwin + Ojha) = 72 wickets in 5 tests played between them in the last 2 home series played against NZ and WI - i know! not great players of spin - But so is England!!!!!! ....All of them flat tracks - except maybe for Hyderabad which turned a bit- but even there India still managed a score of 430 + on their way to an innings victory) - it may not sound so impressive to you - but we'll soon find out this winter!

Mervo
on September 18, 2012, 23:44 GMT

Probably the best player in the English team, after Cook. He gave up everything to come from South Africa and change countries, so he IS serious. He is also different, in ways that Warne and Lillie were different. If English cricket can't handle cricketers better, maybe we need another Kerry Packer to show them how?

mikey76
on September 18, 2012, 23:22 GMT

Eoin Morgan av. 18 this season in the championship but gets to tour?? What sort of message does that send out. Patel's bowling simply isn't good enough to trouble the Indians and his batting is average so not sure why he is in the squad. Tim Bresnan looks shot, no pace. Some poor selections by Flower and co. Wouldn't be surprised to see Onions start ahead of broad and Bresnan.

Chris_P
on September 18, 2012, 22:19 GMT

@JG2704 I also thought Tredwell looked a better bet for selection, but scanning the averages for the last English season, his figures were similar to Patel's so am up in the air on who would be a better pick. Having not sighted them in any games, I am reluctant to make a call either side. Did their counties play on unresponsive pitches for spinners? Also agree with KP, a decision has been made, people should move on.

yorkshire-86
on September 18, 2012, 22:10 GMT

Surprised none of the anti KP brigade have picked up that Compton was born in south Africa!

Subsequent cover: Root for Compton or Trott (injury risk); Bairstow for Bell (probable paternity leave); Onions for the slower/less fit of Finn or Broad; Patel for Panesar (move up to #7 batsman); James Taylor from Performance Squad for any middle order batsman not already covered.

Patchmaster
on September 18, 2012, 21:19 GMT

How on earth has Patel made the side !? - seriously what has he done this year to warrant his selection ? His batting is woeful, his fielding is embaressing and his bowling is just average.

JG2704
on September 18, 2012, 21:15 GMT

Re the squad , I think I'd liked them to have made room for Tredwell somehow , but I guess it's a tough call having to leave out a seamer. I think ECB are showing muddled thinking. I mean they outed Monty after 1 poor performance in SL which seemed more about his dropped catches etc. They know Monty is a poor fielder so if they can't deal with that why pick him. I'm a Monty fan and would pick him despite him only having 1 facet to his game but if Eng can't handle that they should not pick him. Pleased for Nick to finally get his chance but again it seems muddled thinking why Morgan is there. If they weren't going to persevere with him after UAE - what exactly has he done in the CC to convince the selectors he should be recalled. I get the feeling Taylor might have done well out there but maybe they see Morgan playing the KP role. If so I hope he does play attacking (succeed or fail) rather than looking petrified like in UAE

JG2704
on September 18, 2012, 21:15 GMT

Re KP - because it's not going away - @Those who say it cost Eng the series vs SA - 1- Bairstow came in and aggregated around 150 in that match. Would KP have come in and done better? I don't know KPs stats and I could be totally wrong here but generally it seems that KP has a wonder inns in a test but does not seem to repeat it in the next test? Also we have one poster with his usual comic comms saying that it was our bowlers who were the reason why we lost the series vs SA. Wrong. Both our bowlers and batsmen underperformed and we must give SA credit. Also we must remember that of the 2 defeats the one where KP played was much more convincing than the other one. And even if we were to say our bowlers were to blame etc , if they should be outed now then surely Bell and KP should have been outed after the UAE series.Also those who say we have zero chance without KP in India were saying we had zero chance anyway. As for KP being a great player of spin - check his UAE stats.

Juiceoftheapple
on September 18, 2012, 21:15 GMT

Good point Landl about Hildreth, he should have had a look before going back to Morgan. Compton is a proper stone waller, great defence, very unstylish stroke player, watch out Tavare Boycott, you have competition! Still as a Somerset supporter glad to see he got a chance. But very surprised Carberry and Chopra didnt get the nod instead, and possibly too soon for Root, as others have said. Thought Taylor was Ok against SA. So much stuff about Broads bowling, hes excellent, if anyones underperfoming its Anderson imo. Apart from the Oval test the other two games were close, the English tail wagged, and but for some rain we would have won the second.

JG2704
on September 18, 2012, 21:14 GMT

@Hira1 on (September 18 2012, 10:33 AM GMT) I'm not going to argue re KP as half my posts don't get published on the subject anyway but re "seems KP himself is not willing to play for the time being as he has so many lucrative offer to consider" - If he does not want to play for England for that reason anyway then it contradicts how he came across in the UTube interview where he indicated that playing for England mattered more than anything

whatawicket
on September 18, 2012, 21:05 GMT

the biggest thing england can do is to hope and win 4 tosses as these for england will decide the series. thats not saying england will win any of those 4 tests but if india bat and score 450+ then i expect its curtains for england. all 4 pitches will turn from the off, as they were made to look like school boys last year and the bcci will demand all the grounds to turn big time. taylor would for me have been a better bet not that iv seen joe root but what little i have seen of taylor he has looked good.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 20:59 GMT

no kp no england short and simple .

2.14istherunrate
on September 18, 2012, 20:55 GMT

It was, I believe, Wm Pitt who said on the declaring of war with France ' They are ringing their bells now, but soon they will be wringing their hands' Similarly with the more nationalistic and walking rule book elements of English supporters who seem to forget what a good player looks like. The ECB were always going to turn KP into a fall guy.it is obvious, like WICB, they are more interested in proving a silly point about their authority( which is quite small really as they have no authority over themselves, otherwise they would not take this self defeating route). The fact of the matter is that KP did very very little toearn this punishment. A couple of chance remarks maybe, an expression of boredomn with ODI's. He did not even say anything untoward in his texts. There is more to this than meets the eye. A great coverup maybe; an outright conspiracy. At the end of it England having been No1 in 2011, will be no.5 or 6 in 2013, but some will be happy because they taught KP a lesson

KC_69
on September 18, 2012, 20:55 GMT

With or without KP the English team will be whitewashed in India.

Kirk-at-Lords
on September 18, 2012, 19:30 GMT

ECB should have learnt more from the IND-NZ tests. A small batsman (Kruger van Wyk) proved hard to bowl to, and could get runs. J Taylor should therefore have been given a go; also to avoid the stop-start phenomenon that is so harmful to player confidence. Kiwi capt. Ross Taylor showed what can happen with a bit of "X" factor. KP ought to have gone; Morgan may develop into the next X-Man, but he must be given a longer run.
I expect the English batting pavilion will burn to the ground at least in the first 2 tests. I look for significant improvement from Compton (esp. if he opens from the off) and some good signs from Morgan, perhaps even a century toward the back end of the series. Bairstow and Root (if he gets a game) will need to go away and work after being exposed in Indian conditions.
The bowling is a bit ragged but still sound; they ought to do well enough, but not spectacularly. Including Monty was a good move, and I hope he is favoured over Samit Patel.

Kirk-at-Lords
on September 18, 2012, 19:20 GMT

@bobmartin: ENG test stats since KP debut: 42% won with KP in side; 25% (just 1 of 4) when out. Not proof positive Poms need KP, but I would not want to tour India without him, based on these numbers.
@ varun171: IND are always favourites in home conditions; ENG have not won a series there in over a generation.

bigdhonifan
on September 18, 2012, 19:13 GMT

First Test at Ahmadabad- Will be most likely a draw, But If Aswin and Ojha find it well on this pitch and BCCI makes a spinning track, India can win.
Second Test at Mumbai- India win
Third Test at Kolkata- India Win
Fourth Test at Nagpur- India win

sunny1307
on September 18, 2012, 19:08 GMT

All the blokes are predicting an Indian series win and some of them going as far as 4-0 India.We'll see the result when this series ends.I am predicting 2-1 England.People may feel I am insane but my next comment will be on 17th December,the day this series gets over.My combination will be 1.Compton 2.Cook 3.Trott 4.Root 5.Bell 6.Morgan 7.Prior 8.Bresnan 9.Swann 10.Broad 11.Anderson.India without Dravid and Laxman,Poms without Strauss and KP,so there's no unfair advantage to any of the teams.

getsetgopk
on September 18, 2012, 18:54 GMT

Well I dont quite see how KP can ever get into this side again, it seems he's hurt the feelings of some of the England players and in management as well. One may argue that he hasn't but that depends on who you ask and thats the way it is, there is no running away from it. As a neutral, I think ECB has turned a blind eye to KP running his mouth from quite a while now, things e.g I haven't been looked after well, English are jealous of IPL, want to pick and choose between formats and many such incidents. But ECB isn't willing to let go the derogatory texts and his relationship with other team members going from awkward to pretty hostile. I think it will need atleast a year (of appologizing to be frank) for KP to get into the side again for now he should forget about England.

skwarne
on September 18, 2012, 18:51 GMT

India will win these series 4-0, no doubt about it.

dontlikecricket
on September 18, 2012, 18:34 GMT

I dont recall KP scoring runs in tests agaisnt Pak this year? I think Ind spin attack is not as good as Pak, however they do have decent spinners and Eng will struggle in India. If Eng wins a single test in India, its going to be a decent effort!!

Afrikaanse_Hoer_Seunskool
on September 18, 2012, 18:26 GMT

another saffer in the team...KP gone compton in..

peterhrt
on September 18, 2012, 18:13 GMT

There are many similarities between Pietersen and Boycott. Complex characters polarising opinion. Half of us think they are selfish bigheads who should be put in their place. The other half see them martyred by jealous lesser lights. Few teammates enjoyed playing with them. They could both bat on a higher plane, but each adversely affected morale to the point where their selection became problematic. As a role model on the field, Pietersen, like two other controversial characters Botham and Flintoff, is a force for good, playing the game in a wholehearted, positive, sporting manner with a smile on his face. Unlike Anderson, for instance, who appears perpetually miserable and on the lookout for an argument. A poor example to young cricketers. England may not miss KP that much in India where the slow pitches have not always been to his liking. He is at his best in England and Australia, and without him England's chances in next year's back-to-back Ashes series will surely diminish.

ac_Indian
on September 18, 2012, 18:09 GMT

While I wouldn't mind KP being out of batting lineup, I think its a loss for cricket in general, and an Indian victory over England would be sweeter if India win despite KP being in their side.

hhillbumper
on September 18, 2012, 17:50 GMT

Taylor should not have been dropped and Morgan should not go in his place.As for Kp best decision made in years. he will go well in Big bash and IPl and short term pain for us will be long term gain.Bye KP.loved your batting but the rest was shocking

Harmony111
on September 18, 2012, 17:49 GMT

@SamRoy: I don't know if there are 3 or 4 tests in that series but I think most of the fans know that it won't be 3-0 or 4-0. The reason is simple. Like you said, the wickets in India are flat ones. It is hard task to take 20 wickets 3-4 times on those wickets. In fact, there will be at least one test where no side gets bowled out even once (i.e decl and decl, decl and 6-7 down). Spinners in India tend to take wickets in heaps usually. Eng could be 140/2 and could soon be 160/6. With Cook, Trott, Bell around I think one could expect some big scores but the others seem to be rookies who will be tested. KP would have been one who would have attacked and put some pressure but now only Bell seems to be the one who could do that to some extent. Add Prior to that with some salt. All in all, only the most optimistic Ind fan will say that Ind will win 3-0/4-0. These conditions are not meant for 60-80 wickets but then vs a new look Eng team --- who knows? They lost 3-0 in UAE after all :-)

Stateside_Steve
on September 18, 2012, 17:36 GMT

Whoever thinks that this will be a 4-0 white wash for India are deluding themselves. As an Indian fan I will settle for a series victory . 1-0 should do for me, 2-0 or 3-1 will be a runaway success in my books.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 17:20 GMT

As an Indian, why would I complain!? For people like Herbet who think KP is rubbish on slow pitches, I wish to remind them that the only test victory which England had over the last year in the subcontinent was due to the genius of KP in Sri Lanka. Minus him, England lose the "X" factor, and are likely to be over-run by India easily. Lets hope that the Poms prove me wrong, and we have a closer series!

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 17:12 GMT

without kp if england don't lose 4-0 in india it will be a big surprise

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 16:26 GMT

they will some compromise and he will be part of touring side still some time for 1st test

sjm5000
on September 18, 2012, 16:03 GMT

Let's face it KP was only ever good for one brilliant innings per series, so the score would have been 3-1 anyway. It's time for England to move on. KP can take the T20 circuit route and good luck to him. If England can come out of the series with a score like 2-1 to India, then that's a decent effort. Root is too young, but then again why not take a chance on promise. Ciao Kevin, thanks for the ride. Is the Wankhede still a win the toss and win wicket?

Rahulbose
on September 18, 2012, 15:56 GMT

Well ultimately good news for both Eng and India. Eng because they finally have gotten rid of KP and long term that is a good choice. Ind because Eng will come in with an inexperienced batting lineup and play against a budding spin partnership.

swat1999
on September 18, 2012, 15:50 GMT

Very good decesion by ECB. Seems KP looks more interesting about commercial leage than play for national team. KP's exclusion from English team is a reminder that national service and Test matches are more priority than others......

SamRoy
on September 18, 2012, 15:31 GMT

TO all my fellow Indian countrymen I can tell one thing for sure, India will not win 4-0. Not possible. Only possible if all test matches were held in Kanpur. Has anyone looked at most tracks in India recently? Chennai and Delhi which were extremely spin friendly have become batting paradises. Only Kanpur and I saw Hyderabad recently are spin friendly. Mumbai can be made spin friendly. Most of the other tracks are are dead though. Mohali, India's best fast bowling track becomes a super-slow wicket on the second day of a test match and becomes a batting paradise. And so does Nagpur. And not even 100 people come to watch test match in Nagpur.

SpizenFire
on September 18, 2012, 15:28 GMT

KP saga will be a stain forever on English cricket. ECB will stand isolated from other cricketing boards and English players never would get the same welcome as today. English fans lost their soul in this saga. A sad commentary of events, but sadder are the reasons behind such decisions.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 15:25 GMT

England is in good touch despite their lose to SA!!!!! Indian condition surely will help india to perform better!!!! All the indians are waiting to see this serious as we all think that it will be revenge serious!!! Lets see what Ian botham, vaughan and nasir react for this serious.... being an indian fan i want india to thrash Eng to the corner of the world!!! but as i said you cant write off eng for just one serious loss!!!!

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 15:20 GMT

As much i am disappointed with absence of KP , i feel this is even better chance for India to make most of this revenge series. England are going to miss KP sorely , oh my what a blunder ECB has done. Now they have just Trott who can play spin little bit , welcome to hell poms !!

gudolerhum
on September 18, 2012, 15:11 GMT

I think it is absurd not to take KP. This is going too far. Glad to see Comps in, Panesar is very lucky. Not really the 'best' side available but I wish them well. I agree, Sachin either produces or steps down before his image and reputation are tarnished by a poor closing.

Herbet
on September 18, 2012, 15:00 GMT

I love the historical revisionism. Pietersen is rubbish against 3 things - spinners, wobbly medium pacers who bore him, and slow pitches. He will find all 3 in abundance in India, if there was a series when his loss would be least keenly felt, other than against Bangadesh or Zimbabwe, it is this one. Strange that Taylor has been dropped, he didn't get a big score but he looked right. If Root gets a game and clicks he could be opening for the next 10-15 years.

They've had meetings with KP but issues are not yet resolved. So I presume KP is reluctant to apologise in full !
How could England possibly include him for India without change of attitude when he was allegedly texting the opposition with gripes about his own team mates? Have a look at Strauss's book on 2010-11 Ashes series, and see how generous he is about KP, yet got repaid like that... Bet you England will come through and not miss him.

Alexk400
on September 18, 2012, 14:32 GMT

They will allow him to play only during IPL to mess up him making money. I think KP can retire. He did offer truce it was not accepted. ECB and him has to go separate ways.

Hesperis
on September 18, 2012, 14:27 GMT

This news is welcomed by all true English fans. As stated earlier it seems most of the complaints about KP's exclusion seem to be coming from other fans. Quite honestly I would rather England lost without him, than won with him. His behavior was quite appalling and standards must be maintained. I, for one, would be quite happy if he never played for England again.

ashes61
on September 18, 2012, 14:24 GMT

Pleased for Root & Compton, disappointed for Taylor & Carberry, but I suppose you can't fit them all in & there are pluses & minuses for each.Surprised no Tredwell - would've taken him instead of Patel. Presumably still available as cover for Swann if the elbow goes? Panesar's fielding still a worry, as catches will be vital. If no Tredwell in slips, what about Trott, who apparently used to do well there for Warwks? Obviously a new looking batting order, but the newcomers are talented & there is far more sub-continent experience than people realise. They have to be blooded sometime & now is the time. IND Test atmospheres used to be intimidating for ENG bats after a fall of wkt, but now that few turn up for IND Tests, that wont apply. Given that IND have home advantage I suspect a closer series than the recent 4-0 drubbing. Obviously ENG will miss Strauss but if Cook, Trott & Bell can build good starts, the rest should thrive. Puzzling article headline - he's yesterday's man, after all.

BigMachine
on September 18, 2012, 14:23 GMT

This will be a closer series than people think. India's old men v England's hungry young players. I think the real difference is that without DRS umpires will be to afraid to give out Tendulkar and co - it must be a great asset to a player to be able to play without fear of LBW. So whilst Ian have the edge in batting, Englands bowling is a different class to India's - Ashwin & Ojha are very unimaginative slows and these days Khan looks out of shape. Nobody even know's who India's other medium pacer is. England 2 India 0

2.14istherunrate
on September 18, 2012, 14:15 GMT

Further observations on the make up of the Kamikaze England XVI:- The bowling attack is for the most part a spent tired hackneyed and outdated attack. Collectively the y were responsible for the drubbinh by SA. ASo they get rewarded with this tour as way of further deepening our declin. Anderson by his own admission didn't really turn up. Surely grounds for the sack. Having watched a lot of his overs before that series, he did not look the same bowler. He says he did not try. I believe him. Broad bowled at 10 mph less than before. FIt and Willing?? Joke. Discard! Finn bowled at 8 mph less than he shouild. Would retain but require to bowl properly. Bresnan? No Smith in Indian side.Discard! Onions-English style bowler. Hardly right for India. Swann- has only been a force with wickets in Colombo in last 2 years almost.Top spinner?? hardly. Monty- well okay one selection was right. Samit- Loveable but hardly Test class. And this is just the bowlers. Time for a new attack surely....

Haleos
on September 18, 2012, 14:08 GMT

Did Hugh Morris have to mention the name of the sponsor "Investec Test match"? Capitalism has taken over our lives completely.

binojpeter
on September 18, 2012, 14:03 GMT

Even though Pietersen not playing is a loss, I believe that a team's performance is not dependent on one player. It is all the eleven playing together as a unit. Inexperience in subcontinent conditions can be a problem, but not necessarily. It is more about proper technique and application. Cook proved it in his debut test in India with a 50 and a 100 against the likes of Kumble and Harbhajan. Also other senior players had the experience of playing recently in similar conditions against the likes of Ajmal and Herath. So I believe it will be a equal duel.

venkatesh018
on September 18, 2012, 14:00 GMT

So what is the England line-up at Ahmedabad? Cook, Root(or)Compton, Trott, Bell, Bairstow, Morgan(or)Patel, Prior, Broad, Anderson, Swann & Panesar(or)Finn. Couldn't they at least have picked Bopara with a horses-for-courses attitude. A box-office Test series has been decimated because of the stupidity and ego of ECB, Morris and Flower. When average players possessing a fraction of the skill of Petersen earn millions playing T20, what is the wrong in KP playing a full season of IPL? Is this the way to treat a player who desperately wants to play Test match cricket and excel in it. What is the service ECB is doing to Tests by hosting a depleted New Zealand team(whose own star players will be playing IPL) in cold, dreary May ?

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 13:48 GMT

Litmus test for legend sachin, play or make way for youngsters. With due respect to my favourite sachin

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 13:45 GMT

Michael Vaughan will delete his twitter account at the end of the series. Nasser Hussain will leave commentary panel, cook captaincy will be replaced. India will ruthlessly pummel poms 4-0 .ashwin and ojha bowling in tandem,England won't last 3 sessions

DINESHCC
on September 18, 2012, 13:39 GMT

Those who predict 4-0 white wash are requested to revisit the India Newzealand series in 2005 (in India) and India England series in India in 2005-06

2.14istherunrate
on September 18, 2012, 13:37 GMT

This time it was Pietersen. May Flower and Miller follow very soon.Our cricket is run by a suicide squad. They want England to win just about as much as Australia do. Watch out WICB, you have competition. I do not care if India win, because the Englan hierarchy do not care. Simple. I cannot support a concern which is so obviously bent on self destruction. Completely mental!!!

vipravara
on September 18, 2012, 13:25 GMT

Flashing News!!! Captain cook has been dropped from the touring party by ECB. Though KP is not selected for the tour, the fact remained that Cook tried hard for KP's inclusion in the squad stood against him. ECB thought this point might still disturb the dressing room atmosphere. LOL!!!

Sinhaya
on September 18, 2012, 13:15 GMT

I am extremely sad indeed. Hope KP returns to international cricket soon, from a Lankan fan.

Juiceoftheapple
on September 18, 2012, 13:14 GMT

Strange selections given the summer. Tredwell out. Taylor out. Morgan in. Patel in. Panesar in. However, I think we'll only play one spinner and maybe Patel, and rely on 3 seamers. I really think Onions could do a job for England.They've got options depending on the type of pitches I suppose. And the fact that I doubt they fear the Indian bowling much.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 13:13 GMT

varun chopra was my chioice for openers going to india and varon had a great season with warks and with KP not selected a very big mistake by the selectors and will regret latewr.

davidlister
on September 18, 2012, 13:10 GMT

Jaykalp got it bang on. Number 1 rule when picking a team/squad: pick the best players available, and KP certainly fits into that category. Nevermind all this typical British over-emphasis on "team spirit"- some of the best teams in all sports contained players who loathed each other. That is not important. (England's greatest soccer player of the last quarter of a century, Matt Le Tissier played only a handful of games for the national team because he was "not a team-player", he was over-weight and didn't much care for training. All that stuff is secondary to talent.)
"Team stability", Ste13, maybe more important than marketing, but it is not more important than winning, and one increases one's chances of winning by choosing the best players.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 13:08 GMT

I don't know what's going between KP and England.. but one thing is obvious... there is no one knows India better than KP in english side.. I bet...!!!

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 13:08 GMT

No matter what Dhoni might say publicly, this series will be a revenge for the 4-0 drubbing the poms gave them. They beat England 5-0 in odis when they visited last year and this upcoming test series will be the icing on the cake!! India have their problems too... no VVS, no Dravid, an ageing Sachin, an over the hill pair of openers.. But they have the exciting kohli, the dravidesque Pujara and the new spin twins Ashwin and Ojha ..will be fun to watch!!

ronnie22
on September 18, 2012, 13:03 GMT

Common sense and intelligence prevail, thank goodness. Now the squad can get on with the job without endless speculation about whether Pietersen is fitting in with each of them and without any risk of the media blowing up any single misjudged comment. Good luck to a now will-be-settled team brimming with talent and potential.

R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on September 18, 2012, 13:01 GMT

I think it's a shame Tredwell was left out. He has performed well for England recently, and having him as an extra spinning option for India tour would make sense. The rest pick themselves really, i.e. no surprises. Morgan was always going to be controversial, but hey - give him a go! He's got the fire-power factor.

Dheeraj_Shetty
on September 18, 2012, 12:55 GMT

In indian spinning conditions, the English wickets will fall like nine pins to Ashwin and ojha

loudmouth
on September 18, 2012, 12:47 GMT

Not sure if this a good move or not! KP suffered against Pakistan in the UAE but then so did Morgan. As for Compton & Root who knows what they can do in India against Ashwin & co? If England are going to win this series they need to do what Australia did in India in 2004 - their seamers need to find reverse swing & keep India to under 300 per innings. Otherwise it'll be carnage for England. I predict India will win the series easily.

Nutcutlet
on September 18, 2012, 12:46 GMT

@yorkshirematt: Agreed. I also wonder if this isn't a year too soon for Joe Root. For that reason, and that reason alone, I would rather Compton plays in India, but where the top order aggression required to dominate the Indian spinners is going to come from is anyone's guess. Bairstow, Morgan & Prior must hope that they are given some sort of platform by Cook, Bell, Trott & Compton from which to build substantial totals. I would have preferred Carberry opening with Cook. As for the bowling, it is good enough if all are fit, but Broad & Swann shouldn't carry niggles into Test matches. If they do, they'll be found out, because that's the nature of tc. Who's going to be fielding in the slips, apart from Swann & Anderson? Where to hide Monty? I'm reluctant to predict the outcome of the series, but I expect England to give a good account of themselves, even if a series' win is beyond them. Whatever else, England must show that they travel better than India & give Test cricket their all..

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 12:45 GMT

Anything less than 4-0 to India will be disappointing. Hope Dhoni remembers our tour to England and return the favor.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 12:42 GMT

I think England board made great decision. From this every player should know that 'Playing for nation is more important than playing for money'. Leagues like IPL really killing international cricket just because of IPL KP retired from ODI's and Malinga retired from Test cricket. So to play for IPL some of the cricketers are retiring from International cricket. So ICC need to bring a solution for this. So, that in future we will not see another KP or Malinga

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 12:36 GMT

Good to see KP not selected, his Ego is something which has hurt the team since he was made Captain. Its a shame Strauss has retired as I am sure he would have led the way in India in scoring heavily. Problem is Cook is going to find it pretty difficult if new guys n Bell n Trott dont score well. Pressure will be huge especially with the pitches they are bound to face.

landl47
on September 18, 2012, 12:36 GMT

I think it's too early for Root to be in the side (especially in conditions totally foreign to him) and he'd have got more out of being in the performance squad. I'd much rather have seen James Hildreth than Morgan in the middle order: Hildreth has had a great season, second only to Compton, and is a mature cricketer who can handle the pressure. Why the selectors don't seem to look at the players' records is a mystery to me. Morgan is very ordinary at test and first-class level and being a good one-day player, with no fielders round the bat and the bowlers trying to contain you instead of getting you out, is a very different matter. Taylor didn't look ready against SA and needs more time in the performance squad. The bowling is as expected, although Monty Panesar's fielding must be a major concern. Droppiing catches, as we saw with Amla this Summer, can completely alter the course of a series.

ViperIX
on September 18, 2012, 12:35 GMT

Extremely disappointed with KP's exclusion. Arguably their best player of spin and Eng chances of tackling the Indian spinners in India.
Although, that doesn't say India would win comfortably. Yes, spinners might take most of English wickets but Zak and Umesh need to bowl well. England's strength would be their seamers, Finn most dangerous of the lot(as he showcased during the ODI series in previous tour). Indian batting needs to step-up to the Eng seamers, or we might very well find India losing a game or two.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 12:35 GMT

Without KP even Afganisthan can beat them in test

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 12:34 GMT

pietersen is the only england batsman who can bat well in india.if he he is not ther then england will defenitley cant win the series.

nitin.get
on September 18, 2012, 12:32 GMT

india have a good chance to beat them 4-0

Slater1
on September 18, 2012, 12:30 GMT

England Tour of India and England without Kevin Pietersen!!!!!!!! Wow!! As an Aussie supporter I am thrilled by the prospect of this series. India would be all set now to handover England a 4-0 defeat and get the revenge they were waiting for 1 year now. Come on India. Thrash this English side without KP and handover this side to us come the Ashes Test Day One & we will take over. For a change the Australian country would be supporting Indian Team this time. Can't wait for this Series to start and seeing England dance to 'Indian Spin Tunes'.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 12:28 GMT

As a Yorkie I am happy to see Root included but I'm not sure he's quite ready. Jimmy Adams would have been my pick. Briggs or Borthwick ought to have got a go instead of Monte and Eoin Morgan has shown little in the longer game to suggest that he is a better fit than James Taylor. Chris Woakes would have been useful to tour instead of Onions.

Good to see KP left out. Hungry players are what the teams need - not guys who are interested in chasing the money rather than the ball.

satish619chandar
on September 18, 2012, 12:20 GMT

Mr.Oldpunk : KP publicly apologised and is cooperating with the board on every possible manner to get HIS slot in the team. IPL is KP's priority but he really wanted to be in IPL by taking break from England team and not completely dump them and play the T20 league. And, you want him for the home ashes? Got doubts on retaining Ashes without KP?

Charlie101
on September 18, 2012, 12:20 GMT

@Oldpunk - You could well be right and this is KP's way of picking and choosing but the downside is very large with the loss of the income from a central contract approx £1,000,000 per year including sponcership . He will soon have to give Jaguar his Discovery car back ( he refuses to drive the Jaguar like his team mates ) and then waiting for some more media work . The chance he is taking is that the young playes such as Bairstow are grabing their chances whilst there are gaps and if by some miracle we win in India these gaps will remain filled.

satish619chandar
on September 18, 2012, 12:17 GMT

England should look to play Morgan. Yes he failed in UAE against rampant Pakistan spin but still, he is probably the guy who can enforce the scoring rate playing some unorthodox shots. Prior as of now is the only stable batter they got in middle order. Usually Bell plays spin well when the ball is not spinning especially in England and too tough and unfair on the likes of Roots, Compton and Bairstow to come directly and dominate spinners. We all know how Cook and Trott will attack - though they are the steadiest of the batters in the team. Morgan is a bit experienced in playing in SC though in shorter formats.

Gupta.Ankur
on September 18, 2012, 12:17 GMT

This team's batting line-up has no chance against us on the turning tracks. Two spinners would be enough for India to take 20 wickets in each of these 4 tests.

ECB and Flower are shooting themselves in the foot by eliminating their biggest trump card even before the series.

Munkeymomo
on September 18, 2012, 12:13 GMT

KP or no KP I'm just glad Bopara isn't going. Compton is a decent player of spin, don't know about Root. Will be an incredibly tough place for either of them to make their debut though.

Snick_To_Backward_Point
on September 18, 2012, 12:12 GMT

It's not all bad news. At least KP can play full time in the dog and pony show of the IPL. Plenty of thwacks, swooshes and whooooops coming your way my Indian brothers!

roarster
on September 18, 2012, 12:10 GMT

The break, as jmcilhinney suggests, will give KP the opportunity to decide whether he still needs/wants an ongoing relationship with the ECB and his team-mates.It might also give some of those erstwhile team-mates the chance to decide whether they really are better off without him in their side and if indeed their playground treatment of him has had the desired effect. A tour of India without him could be a very painful way of finding out an answer that to everyone else seems glaringly obvious.

din7
on September 18, 2012, 12:07 GMT

Ok now thats it! that sums up the tour of india for eng, they might fight but stll they will lose 3-0 or 2-0...foolish ECB and andy flower...the tour has ended no need to come to india..

jb633
on September 18, 2012, 12:04 GMT

Interesting decision to leave Taylor out but I am glad that Morgan has been recalled. Hopefully he can provide the impetus in the middle order that we will need against the spinners. I can't see our batsman struggling to the same extent as they did in the UAE because Indian spinners are pretty average, actually very average. I think our bowlers will struggle against Kholi though, he really is a class act.
In terms of the KP saga, let this be the end of his Englis career. For too long now we are playing foreign players with no loyalty to the three lions. I accept that some of these players have been exceptional but the issue of national pride is at stake. Let KP go and play mickey mouse cricket and earn his money elsewhere. Thanks for the entertainment but it's time to leave.

LEOFURQAN86
on September 18, 2012, 12:02 GMT

Very Honestly in my onion now india are very lucky and favourite for that series against england bcoz England EGO and some nonesense players EGO damage the position of ECB without KP no chance to win in india against them Very very lucky india and bad luck for ECB but we are missing you KP pls come back we are waiting for your batting

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 12:02 GMT

With this Squad , England are gonna bite dust in India !!

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:58 GMT

Sadly, it seems as if the ECB are hellbent on extending KP's occupation of The Naughty Step until the New Zealand tour at the very earliest. That said, it's nonsense to suggest - as so many on this thread have done - that England don't stand a realistic chance without him. KP played a minimal part in some of England's finest recent Test performances - their 2009 & 2010-11 Ashes triumphs, for example, as well as the 1-1 draw in South Africa in 2009-10 - & it seems as if Morgan (rightly, in my view) has been earmarked as his long-term X Factor replacement. Otherwise, choosing Root (who can also bowl serviceable off-spin) over the ageing Carberry is an excellent move, as is the selection of the vastly improved & technically sound Nick Compton who, I believe, will excel on Indian pitches. Personally, I'd go for five batsmen with Prior at 6 & Patel as the second spinner at 7, but I wouldn't be too surprised if we see six specialist batsmen with Root & Trott sharing the fifth-bowler duties.

itsthewayuplay
on September 18, 2012, 11:56 GMT

shame as not only eng but also indian fans who undertand quality batting by a batsman of any nationality will miss out and or for that matter neutrals everywhere. kp's exclusion from the tour is slightly at odds with george dobell's view of 13 sep that his inclusion was 'increasingly likely'. good opportunity for one or more of eng's youngsters to make a name for themselves particularly as they won't be facing a spinner of anil kumble's class but probably wouldnt have played in front of sixty thousand noisy fans.

SurlyCynic
on September 18, 2012, 11:54 GMT

After reading the English press after Buttler's 'good over' in an 11 over game, I'm surprised not to see him in the middle order as he's clearly the new KP. Pity about the old KP, although luckily there's another South Afican product in Compton to replace him.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:52 GMT

England Cricket management need to learn from their mistake from 3rd test against Proteas and should have included KP but as they say if you don't learn your lessons on time, you pay dearly.

KP will be missed by every Indian cricket lover

vel86
on September 18, 2012, 11:50 GMT

With out KP eng cannot perform wl in indian soil.He is the oly player gotta experience in playing in india!!!! itz very tough for them to play against Ashwin, Bhajji and ojha!!!

pdsina
on September 18, 2012, 11:50 GMT

As expected KP will now honour the full IPL 2013, thats great news for DD.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:50 GMT

Thankfully decency has won out and KP has been left back in England, although another South African has been selected in Compton but at least Root is in.

bobmartin
on September 18, 2012, 11:46 GMT

In the past England have lost with Pietersen in the team and have won without him in the team... So the only thing that has changed is that England may lose or win without him. Unlike many, particularly of Indian persuasion who were incorrectly forecasting an Indian series victory in both England and Australia, I prefer to let the final scoreboard tell me the result. It make for far less egg on one's face.

srriaj317
on September 18, 2012, 11:37 GMT

What happened to Michael Carberry? He just won a title for his county!

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:36 GMT

Surely the result will be india winning the series 4-0...they have struggled in India with peterson and strauss....can't say how england will manage without them...

158notout
on September 18, 2012, 11:36 GMT

It is really saying something about the nature of KP when it is Indian fans most annoyed by this decision! Fortunately the majority of England fans can see the sense behind the decision. All teams go through some transition and although ENgland often have it forced upon them (players tend to go earlier than expected due to injury or other issue - i.e. Tresco, Vaughan, SP Jones, Freddie, Strauss to name a few) it has to be dealt with.

I find it surprising that Indian fans on here are so confident of a series win simply due to KP being left out. Off the top of my head I cannot remember him providing too much of a massive input in last years whitewash at all. I am not saying England are going to win but I don't think an Indian victory is a foregone conclusion either. Remember India are bedding in a new batting line-up as well after the retirement of VVS and Dravid (though Kohli and Pujara have started well) and the continued failure to find a No.6. It will hopefully be a good series!

Hammond
on September 18, 2012, 11:34 GMT

Good. Now the ECB can rebuild with blokes that won't be texting the opposition disparaging remarks about the captain in the middle of a crucial series. KP can now play all the IPL he wants, I hope to never see him wearing the three lions ever again.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:31 GMT

isnt it just more than enough? cant it be just settled down with a kind of regret within the team mates and the management, why not they all take the responsibility of all that what happened n why are they just pointing out towards one player... i dont know if they are trying to cool down everything or are they adding the petrol in the fire.... really disappointing news to the cricket lover. I wonder if KP will play with the same joy n feelings for the team if he is called back in team after the years,when Flower call him for not having other alternatives....

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:31 GMT

Taj Mahal by moonlight is an unforgettable sight. Karim's, the 100-year old Delhi restaurant, has mutton curry on which novels are written on. The golden beaches of Goa and the deserts of Rajasthan are a travelers fantasy become reality. There are hundreds more in the travel books and each member of the England team should get at least one book. Because they sure are not going to India with the intention of winning cricket matches.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:31 GMT

England will get slammed in style to say the least!

PrasPunter
on September 18, 2012, 11:29 GMT

I wont be surprised if an overconfident indian team bites the dust
against an Eng team free of any contreversies !! Go Eng !! Though an
Aussie, I am rooting for you Folks !!! Ashes later !!

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:29 GMT

I Dont Know Is I shud be happy or sad? peitersen is my fav. player.. i love watching him bat no matter even if it is against my nation india.. but as far as this tour is concerned it is good for india that there is no KP . . i wud love to see india spiining out england

SamRockers
on September 18, 2012, 11:28 GMT

nobobdy can fill the void created by kevin in current english squad ....
most of them don't have any experience of sub -continent..
will be horrible for the english .

Hira1
on September 18, 2012, 11:27 GMT

ECB has finally chosen right players that can make a "happier team" rather than having a winning combination

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:25 GMT

The batting looks awfully thin without Pietersen and Strauss. They should resolve this issue and ensure Pietersen can play international cricket. He's too good a player to be sitting around wasting his time when he can win matches for England.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:25 GMT

With that goes any chances that England had in India.. with IPL experience he was probably the best batsman to handle indian conditions..

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:21 GMT

England Cricket management need to learn from their mistake from 3rd test against Proteas and should have included KP but as they say if you don't learn your lessons on time, you pay dearly.

KP will be missed by every Indian cricket lover

yorkshirematt
on September 18, 2012, 11:16 GMT

@jmchillinney Doesn't Root "belong in the second division" with the rest of his Yorkshire team though?

senthil25
on September 18, 2012, 11:12 GMT

Then the Match is not going to be Interest.........we need best 11 from England to come here............so they can prove how good in subcontinent pitches......this is going to very tough for them.......any way good luck..England.we want to see good match...........waiting for that.........sure they are not going win here........

varun171
on September 18, 2012, 11:08 GMT

I truely beleive that omission of KP from the England's Squad for Test series makes India favourites to win the Test Series. Indian Team can now plan to return the favors to the England Team by completing the Whitewash. Indian team though should not be complacent as England still have the likes of Trott, Bell and Cook who have the temperment to score big runs. Hope India completes the whitewash and show the world that England were never truely number 1 team as barring Australia, they have never won outside England and the number 1 ranking was truely based on their record in England. Test Series against Pakistan made it quite clear that England team is not capable to win in Sub-continent conditions. Go India Go..

Devmanus
on September 18, 2012, 11:07 GMT

Its surprising to see that die hard Test cricket supporter England-ECB has very less test team players as replacement... low bench strength...and always depends on SA born players for their success.. anyhow they find themselfs dealing with such issues rather than building strong second tier pool strength... I wonder why? its time for their management to refrain from hatred and hate games and concentrate on their Test tours in India...show your test prowess and play fair cricket....

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:06 GMT

Seriously I hoped this was going to be sorted out can't someone just go and bash a few heads together and stop everyone from acting like children.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:05 GMT

Looks like a very strong pace attack on paper.. If they can make the SG red cherry talk in Indian conditions, our batsmen will need to be extra careful.. Though the period they are going to tour mostly favours spin and the batsmen.. An interesting series on the cards..

djzan
on September 18, 2012, 11:04 GMT

widout KP at india tour,looks another terrible defeat wait at there...... i hope England remember the DUBAI test series against PAK...............

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 11:02 GMT

Those guys whingeing about Compton being South African born... check the records pages for details of England cricketers by the name of Compton and get back to me won't you? If you look closely, the player pages have convenient reference to their relatives... Got it?!

Any talk that Compton isn't English is frankly ridiculous! His family will always be synonymous with English cricket.

jmcilhinney
on September 18, 2012, 10:59 GMT

As for the bowling, no real surprises there. The selectors like Tredwell but obviously only for ODIs. Panesar really could do with improving his fielding but how many other England fielders have dropped catches, some complete sitters, since that Test in SL? One has to think that Tremlett has done his dash as an England player now, which is a shame because he did some fine work in Australia and could have played for a few years more without those injuries. It will be interesting to see whether Finn or Bresnan will be first choice for third seamer or maybe even if they usurp Broad if he doesn't lift his game.

DaisonGarvasis
on September 18, 2012, 10:58 GMT

They say EGO can destroy a Team. Sure the EGOS OF HUGH MORRIS, FLOWER, SWANN, BROAD, ANDERSON is now destroying that team

jaykalp
on September 18, 2012, 10:57 GMT

Enough of this 'No player is bigger than the Game' attitude! Get Pietersen into the squad, ECB!! It is the team that is suffering here...what chances do you think English have against India ,in India? Why can't you feed his ego just a bit ; he, after all, has been one of the best cricketers for the English Cricket Team in the recent past!

Heisenburg
on September 18, 2012, 10:56 GMT

Even the England test team batting is looking weak, Australia gonna knock them over next Ashes.

emmersonne
on September 18, 2012, 10:56 GMT

Having watched Carberry give KP a run for his money for many seasons, I am seriously disappointed. Carbs was the better choice for opener, in my honest opinion.

Toon-Harmy
on September 18, 2012, 10:55 GMT

Good luck to Nick Compton and Joe Root. There are spots in the England batting order up for grabs and it would be nice to see one or both have a successful tour. Delighted to see Graham Onions called up too, thoroughly deserved after another excellent season with Durham. Only time will tell if that squad is good enough to win in India, but at least it'll be a united dressing room...

jmcilhinney
on September 18, 2012, 10:54 GMT

As for the touring party, I have no issue with either Root, whom I see as being the long-term replacement for Strauss, if not necessarily being immediately ready, or Compton, who is obviously the form county batsman. I've also no issue with leaving out Bopara but including Morgan is a poor decision. He's never looked a Test player and his experience counts for little if he can't score. He was dropped after UAE and has done nothing since to warrant a recall. With no KP or Strauss, they should have looked fully to the future and included Taylor. He's as likely to score a Morgan and is a better bet as a long-term member of the team.

ste13
on September 18, 2012, 10:52 GMT

good decision - team stability is more important than marketing reasons - for once this has been respected

jmcilhinney
on September 18, 2012, 10:51 GMT

It seems like the intention/desire is to get KP back in the side but it's understandable that there may be some lingering ill-feeling on both sides so I don't have a problem with their not rushing it. If that reduces England's chances on what was already going to be a difficult tour then so be it. The extended break will also give KP a good and proper chance to decide what he really wants, because he seems to have made several decisions through this whole affair without actually thinking them through.

Oldpunk
on September 18, 2012, 10:51 GMT

Everyone seems to assume the ECB "left out" Pietersen. Maybe Pietersen (and his advisers) didn't want to go to India, or deliberately negotiated towards a position where the ECB had no choice but to leave him out of the tour party. Pietersen may be focused on media work, a massive Big Bash contract and collecting his full IPL salary before returning for the home Ashes series.

t20-2007
on September 18, 2012, 10:51 GMT

when the circus is going to start?...just want to watch them dancing to the tune of India spinners

For god's sake, i wouldn't want to see England dropping Monty for Samit in order to add balance to the batting lineup. Like what they were doing to Finn by keeping Bresnan in home tests. My England 11 would be, Cook, Roots, Trott, Bell, Bairstow, Morgan, Prior, Swann, Finn, Anderson and Panesar.

davidallan
on September 18, 2012, 10:50 GMT

Only one ommision I object James Taylor, why they left him out after just two tests he showed good temprament in his debut innings.

MyBat_MyRules
on September 18, 2012, 10:50 GMT

WOW this's great news....thanks to ECB & the man himself-way to go guys

cricTorque
on September 18, 2012, 10:46 GMT

During the Chris Gayle episode, I was wondering how come ego of a few people, who don't even play cricket, cloud sane thought to such an extent. But this latest episode goes on to show that common sense is really uncommon among cricket administrators.
Does anyone even give a semblance of a thought to cricket fans?

YorkshirePudding
on September 18, 2012, 10:45 GMT

No great surprise that KP is missing, especially after he didnt get a central contract.....In regards to the actual squad again no real suprises except for Morgans inclusion and the dropping of James Taylor, I suspect that Root will be first choice for the vacant openers position and Compton could be there to come in at 4 with Bell at 5 and Bairstow at 6, depending on the make up of the side.

santokh
on September 18, 2012, 10:44 GMT

Coming from Yorkshire I've seen Root play and am a huge fan of his but i think he's been picked a season too soon. On the other hand i feel so so sorry for Carberry, I mean what has the guy done wrong not to get selected? real tough on him and inconsistencies in selectors policies.

Yadav_18
on September 18, 2012, 10:42 GMT

LOL Eng already lost the series clean sweep then!!!

Beanolabub
on September 18, 2012, 10:40 GMT

The batting looks a touch inexperienced now without any Pietersen, Strauss or Bopara.
I agree with calling up Nick Compton and recalling Eoin Morgan (although it remains to be seen whether he can play a fast swinging ball in test cricket), but for such a difficult series I'm really surprised that they've called up Joe Root instead of Michael Carberry. His experience and cool-head would have been invaluable.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:38 GMT

THIS IS THE TIME FOR GOD SACHIN, 2nd Test: India v England at Mumbai,Nov 23-27, 2012 HE WILL SURE GIVE US HAPPY NEW YEAR GIFT

shyamfire
on September 18, 2012, 10:38 GMT

the absence of Strauss and KP will be really felt. Lack of experience in the middle order to handle spin can haunt England when they tour India

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:34 GMT

Excellent news. Some of this new blood needs to be brought in. So many good young batsmen - some looking batter than Pietersen ever was. Certainly less egotistical and disruptive. Good move by England. He won't be missed

biju666
on September 18, 2012, 10:34 GMT

Oh Another South African Born Batsmen in England Squad...! I Dont Know whether d England s Struggling to Find Their Own Generation Player... So Sad..! Currently and also in Past Mostly dey r having other country players in their squad... Ridiculous to Say..!

Meety
on September 18, 2012, 10:34 GMT

Interesting. Many English fans have come on Ozzy sites to bag the batting stocks with comments like "the cupboard is bare", yet England have now selected a young bloke (talented) with a FC ave of 38, & a bloke who could be argued to be another "foreigner" to bolster a now thin-looking batting line up!
== == ==
The reality is though, Root has talent & it will be a good learning curve for him away from the public glare of a home-series. I think Bopara is unfortunate, in that I think that he could of done well in India, but his form with the bat did not justify his selection! The selection of Compton is a good one, although I don't know how he will go in India, he should have the experience & poise to put up a good effort. The big issue for England is, whether they have learned from their UAE sojourn! Predictions 2-1 India, with England pacers taking wickets, Swann doing it tough - Panesar becoming lead spinner, Bell to fail epically & Prior leading "Pommy" run-scorer!

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:33 GMT

if this happen to a player of either SL or IND goverment will surely end the problem as soon as possible coz they want their big names on team

Hira1
on September 18, 2012, 10:33 GMT

seems KP himself is not willing to play for the time being as he has so many lucrative offer to consider, bearing this its hard for him to compromise on ECB terms and conditions. Its hard to imagine KP back in the English side before IPL 2013 and there might be a settlement before Ashes next year.

Hira1
on September 18, 2012, 10:33 GMT

seems KP himself is not willing to play for the time being as he has so many lucrative offer to consider, bearing this its hard for him to compromise on ECB terms and conditions. Its hard to imagine KP back in the English side before IPL 2013 and there might be a settlement before Ashes next year.

meenuraghu
on September 18, 2012, 10:30 GMT

Not going to watch English cricket anymore. However well the team do without KP, the excitement and thrill will be missing. It is ridiculous that I will not get to see the most talented player in India.

Bowling is England's strength. Swann will have the role which was expected from Zak in England before he broke down. Swann and Monty will form the attack and Anderson and Broad with the seam dept. They did the job in UAE and will surely bank to do it here too. I wouldn't exactly say that without KP, England will lose but still, the team won't be the same without KP as it would have been with KP. Having two new comers in the lineup might hurt - but still, in Cook's debut series with a team which was relatively new to India, they did a admirable job. Of all, England always terms Indian pitches as FLAT BATTING tracks and any new comer should be happy to be batting there..

Lloydster
on September 18, 2012, 10:26 GMT

I am sure the Proteas can find a spot for him, considering Smith doesnt contribute much these days.

abdulashikkhan.m
on September 18, 2012, 10:26 GMT

India A will be enough to beat this team.. No KP No Chance for them :-)

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:23 GMT

Why no adeel rashid i think england want India to whitewash thats why they dint select KP.... ROOOT OR COMOTON very few over customer for Indian spinner...

ravikiran.bits
on September 18, 2012, 10:22 GMT

Then the series would be less watched.
Obviously india is going to win it.
They might have had a chance if peit was included.

sramesh_74
on September 18, 2012, 10:22 GMT

Way to go...No player is larger than the game.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:21 GMT

Yuvi and Zaheer will miss some fun

antikato
on September 18, 2012, 10:19 GMT

I hate ECB for ruining Englands chances in the T20 And setting us up to be a laughing stock in India.

KP: Thank you for all you have done to help England cricket take it's place near the pinnacle. I apologise and am embarrassed by the ECB's self-destructive and spiteful behaviour. I hope you enjoy commentating on the T20 and hope to see you back in Enggland colours AFTER the New Zealand series.

vkypak
on September 18, 2012, 10:19 GMT

THIS IS CALLED THE FORTUNE OF INDIAN BOWLERS........

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:18 GMT

When will this KP issue be over .

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:16 GMT

Is the ECB not willing to resolve this issue quickly? Clearly they don't appear to want to do so. Perhaps the IPL isn't anything to gauge experience or anything, but due to KP playing a few seasons in the IPL, surely he's more familiar with Indian conditions than the other players in the touring party, of which two may make their debut at the top level right? I've come to accept that the ECB are making decisions that are full of fail recently. As an avid supporter of English Cricket, I want to see our best XI take the field, and yes, that does include KP in that list. I don't care where they come from, just as long as they represent England at Test Cricket (even if they are perceived to play for themselves, remember, Cricket's a team game where individual brilliance can win matches). If this were a home series I wouldn't have been too disappointed, but this is an away series in the subcontinent... it's a bit of a stupid move by the ECB. 3-1 India I think.

DaisonGarvasis
on September 18, 2012, 10:16 GMT

That is the first nail in England's coffin. We will put the remaining nails when they arrive for the test series.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:16 GMT

Bad news for cricket fans. Bad news for Capt'n Cook. Probably good news for the other guys in the dressing room. Bitter taste all round, though, I think.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:13 GMT

A Huge Miss for England...

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:13 GMT

and with that goes England's chances. They might still win a match, but winning the series would be difficult.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:11 GMT

Good News for India ...............................

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:11 GMT

Hope KP will be back soon but in the mean time it sounds as if the dust needs to settle further. Tricky decisions for the selectors - I don't envy them on this one.

The Tall Guy
on September 18, 2012, 10:10 GMT

Whoah. Big news. Is that it for KP in an England shirt? would think so for the next year or so - or until the next injury/confidence crisis.

guptahitesh4u
on September 18, 2012, 10:10 GMT

Good for Pietersen!! This is the tour that will show England their real place in the ranking table!!

yorkshirematt
on September 18, 2012, 10:09 GMT

Think we can safely say Pietersen's ship has sailed. Pleased for Rooty. If nothing else it will be a good experience for him just to be around the England set up. In my opinion he's not ready yet. Needs another season or two playing for Yorkshire. if he does play I hope it isn't as harrowing an experience as JB's first Test matches

No featured comments at the moment.

yorkshirematt
on September 18, 2012, 10:09 GMT

Think we can safely say Pietersen's ship has sailed. Pleased for Rooty. If nothing else it will be a good experience for him just to be around the England set up. In my opinion he's not ready yet. Needs another season or two playing for Yorkshire. if he does play I hope it isn't as harrowing an experience as JB's first Test matches

guptahitesh4u
on September 18, 2012, 10:10 GMT

Good for Pietersen!! This is the tour that will show England their real place in the ranking table!!

The Tall Guy
on September 18, 2012, 10:10 GMT

Whoah. Big news. Is that it for KP in an England shirt? would think so for the next year or so - or until the next injury/confidence crisis.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:11 GMT

Hope KP will be back soon but in the mean time it sounds as if the dust needs to settle further. Tricky decisions for the selectors - I don't envy them on this one.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:11 GMT

Good News for India ...............................

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:13 GMT

and with that goes England's chances. They might still win a match, but winning the series would be difficult.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:13 GMT

A Huge Miss for England...

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:16 GMT

Bad news for cricket fans. Bad news for Capt'n Cook. Probably good news for the other guys in the dressing room. Bitter taste all round, though, I think.

DaisonGarvasis
on September 18, 2012, 10:16 GMT

That is the first nail in England's coffin. We will put the remaining nails when they arrive for the test series.

dummy4fb
on September 18, 2012, 10:16 GMT

Is the ECB not willing to resolve this issue quickly? Clearly they don't appear to want to do so. Perhaps the IPL isn't anything to gauge experience or anything, but due to KP playing a few seasons in the IPL, surely he's more familiar with Indian conditions than the other players in the touring party, of which two may make their debut at the top level right? I've come to accept that the ECB are making decisions that are full of fail recently. As an avid supporter of English Cricket, I want to see our best XI take the field, and yes, that does include KP in that list. I don't care where they come from, just as long as they represent England at Test Cricket (even if they are perceived to play for themselves, remember, Cricket's a team game where individual brilliance can win matches). If this were a home series I wouldn't have been too disappointed, but this is an away series in the subcontinent... it's a bit of a stupid move by the ECB. 3-1 India I think.